10 Of South Australia’s Best Beaches You Need To Visit This Year

When it comes to sun, surf, and sand, the best beaches in South Australia give the rest of the country a run for their money. Sure, Bondi and the Whitsundays get all the hype—but trust us, South Australia’s coastal gems are just as dreamy. Spend your days blissing out on sun-drenched stretches of shoreline, bustling beachside towns and secret coves tucked off the map. 

Pack the towels, slap on some SPF50+ and leave the budgie smugglers behind—here are South Australia’s best beaches in 2025.

Vivonne Bay

Kangaroo Island

Previously voted Australia’s best beach, there’s no doubt Vivonne Bay has well and truly earned its reputation as a must-visit destination in South Australia. This six-kilometre long beach set on Kangaroo Island is famous for its sparkling clear waters, sugar-white sand and private location. There’s not much at Vivonne Bay—except the beach itself and a small jetty—but the untouched, natural surroundings are what make this place so special. So what are you going to do at this island paradise? Aside from basking in its natural beauty (obviously), it’s the prime spot for a quick dip, a leisurely picnic, fishing or dolphin and seal spotting. Post exploration, make sure you swing by the Vivonne Bay General Store for a bite to eat. Pro tip: order the whiting burger. 

Image credit: As We Wander | Instagram 

Henley Beach

Adelaide 

Just 15 minutes from Adelaide city, Henley Beach is all about good vibes. It’s proof that the best beaches aren’t just about crystal-clear water and silky sand (though it’s got those too)—Henley hums with the energy of a Euro summer, all year long. Float in the shimmering sea, read your kindle on the sand, then score goosebump-inducing vistas of the coastline while tucking in fresh-from-the-trawler seafood at one of Henley’s seaside restaurants. Pro tip: snag a seat under a sunshine striped umbrella at Henley House and watch the sunset.

Hardwicke Bay

Yorke Peninsula

If you’re looking for miles of picturesque white sand, stretching as far as the eye can see, then look no further than Hardwicke Bay. This slice of paradise is prime for those who like to escape the crowds and spend their lazy beach days in solitude—there's no fighting for a space to throw down your beach towel at this secluded spot. Located on the Spencer Gulf side of the Yorke Peninsula, the sheltered bay creates a safe haven for dipping into the shallow waters, making it perfect for young families. Stop your search for South Australia’s best beach, because you’ve found a winner right here.

Glenelg Beach

Adelaide 

You didn’t really think we were going to write about South Australia’s best beaches without including Adelaide’s most popular beach, did you? Glenelg Beach is home to bustling beachfront and rich heritage. It turns on the charm with its laid back yet buzzing vibe, feeling more like a faraway holiday destination in the Med than a suburb of Adelaide. For those who like to keep busy, your agenda here is packed with swimming, sailing, kayaking and snorkelling—or if you like taking things slow, you can spend the day (or a few) here simply basking in the sun and soaking up the holiday vibes. Of course, it’s compulsory to purchase an ice cream from one of the many cute-as-a-button beachfront shops and grab a cold drink at Moseley's Beach Club where the vibes are always immaculate. 

Image credit: Hayley Hays | Instagram

Maslin Beach

Adelaide 

Fondly called ‘Maslins’ by locals, Maslin Beach is one of our top picks for South Australia’s prettiest beach, and once you’ve seen this postcard-perfect spot, you’ll definitely agree. Maintained in pristine condition, high cliffs overlook the expansive beach, providing a top spot for a picnic or sunset watching. Maslin Beach is famous for being Australia’s first legal nudist beach and nude sunbathing and swimming is still allowed in certain areas of the beach. Fun fact: the annual Pilwarren Maslin Nude Beach Games here. It’s basically the Olympics but played nude and on the beach. 

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Dolphin Beach

Yorke Peninsula

Nestled away on the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula, one of South Australia’s best beaches awaits you. Picture this: 800 metres of unspoilt sand meets calm turquoise waters, fringed by dramatic cliffs. Yes, we are talking about Dolphin Beach. This picturesque bay is considered one of the safest spots to take a dip on the peninsula, and it's certainly one of the most beautiful. Laze on the sand while spotting dolphins frolicking nearby in the water. Dolphin Beach is certainly ticking all the boxes as one of South Australia’s best beaches. 

Image credit: Adam Bruzzone | Instagram

Port Noarlunga Beach

Adelaide 

If you find yourself in Adelaide seeking an incredible scuba or snorkelling experience, set your GPS for Port Noarlunga Beach and roll the windows down. Just a 40 minute drive, but feeling like a world away from the bustle of the city, this stunning spot is fringed by rose-hued sandstone cliffs, and a jetty that snakes out into the azure ocean. To truly appreciate the show mother nature is putting on at this beach, pull on a snorkel and explore the 400-metre long reef that is teeming with more than 50 fish species and 200 marine plants. Keen to cast a line? The jetty’s a favourite local fishing spot, with salmon, flathead, and bream often biting.

Memory Cove

Jussieu Peninsula

Memory Cove is located on the tip of the picturesque Lincoln National Park, and as the name suggests, this special place is truly unforgettable. Another jewel in the Eyre Peninsula’s crown of glorious beaches, Memory Cove secures its place in your heart with its glistening waters and stretches of white beach, fringed by native bushland teeming with wildlife. Drive right onto the beach and spend a day basking in the sunshine, alongside notoriously friendly locals—kangaroos. To maintain the untouched beauty of this area, access to Memory Cove is limited to 15 vehicles a day, so you’re almost certainly going to enjoy this slice of paradise in serenity. 

Image credit: Samantha Lodge | Instagram

Almonta Beach

Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is packed with stunning beaches, but the moment you set foot on Almonta Beach in Coffin Bay National Park, we have a sneaking suspicion you’ll realise you’ve found the crown jewel. Impossibly white sands starkly contrast calm, azure waters, fringed by rugged bushland, which is home to an array of native wildlife, including kangaroos, emus and goannas. Make sure to visit during low tide, when a lagoon forms and rock pools appear, creating the perfect snorkelling spot for exploring the underwater world. You can sample some of the ocean’s treasures on a working oyster farm, where you’ll be served freshly plucked Pacific Oysters with Coffin Bay Oyster Farm and Tasting Tours. Now that’s what we call the quintessential Aussie beach holiday. 

Horseshoe Bay

Fleurieu Peninsula

Beach paradise can be found at Horseshoe Bay. One of South Australia’s favourite beaches, this seaside haven is well loved by tourists and locals alike. It doesn’t get much more family-friendly than this—not only is Horseshoe Bay a top-notch swimming, snorkelling and diving spot but it also boasts a playground, a large picnic area and an abundance of fish and chip shops, just metres off the foreshore. Pack up the car, make sure to slap on some sunscreen and head to this picturesque slice of paradise for a glorious family day out. 

Image credit: Dylan Alcock | Instagram

Second Valley Beach

Fleurieu Peninsula

We are all about Instagrammable locations and when we heard this spot was South Australia’s most Instagrammed beach, well, we had to pay it a visit. Venture onto Second Valley Beach, sink your toes into the powder-white sand and you’ll immediately see why. Stunning views of the coastline stretch in both directions and uniquely shaped boulders cluster along the beach. The towering cliffs that fringe the beach are often conquered by thrill-seekers who take the daring plunge into the ocean below. There’s no doubt that Second Valley Beach is one of the best beaches in South Australia. 

Merdayerrah Sand Patch

Eyre Peninsula

Merdayerrah Sand Patch is the westernmost beach in South Australia and is perched on the remote western end of the Nullarbor cliffs. If idyllic isolation is what you’re after, you might have found your new favourite beach. Expect stunning cliff top views and a secluded sandy beach sitting at the bottom of the Bunda cliffs. Although Merdayerrah Sand Patch isn’t prime for swimming, it boasts incredible surf breaks and attracts experienced surfers and hikers who want a breathtaking view to go with their adrenaline hit. For all introverts or those who just want a break from people (*raises hand*), pack your bags and head to Merdayerrah Sand Patch.